The Global Meaningful Travel Map

Sonido del Yaque Eco-lodge

Experience eco-friendly tourism in the Dominican Republic, where local women empower their community while showcasing stunning mountain and river landscapes.

OUR EXPERIENCES
Sonido del Yaque is considered the first Sustainable community development project in the Dominican Republic, located around the community of Los Calabazos in the municipality of Jarabacoa.

This rural lodging, nestled between the mountains of the Central Range and along the banks of the Yaque River, consists of small cabins entirely managed by the Nueva Esperanza Mothers’ Club. This group of empowered women, aware of their community’s needs, aimed to create employment opportunities to improve the quality of life for families in Los Calabazos.

ABOUT US
Our mission is to foster sustainable community development through eco-friendly rural tourism, empowering the women of Los Calabazos and improving the quality of life for local families. By showcasing the natural beauty of the Yaque River and the Central Mountain Range through unique lodging experiences, we create job opportunities and promote cultural appreciation within the community. We envision becoming a leading model of community-driven tourism in the Dominican Republic, where social impact, environmental stewardship, and the empowerment of local women drive a thriving, self-sustaining community. Through this approach, we aim to inspire other communities to integrate economic opportunity, cultural preservation, and ecological conservation.

OUR IMPACT
Sonido del Yaque has a profound social and environmental impact by empowering the Los Calabazos community and championing sustainable practices. Developed by the men and women of the Los Calabazos community, with funds raised by the Nueva Esperanza Mothers’ Club, this project creates economic opportunities for women, enhancing their financial independence and enabling them to lead and uplift their community. By generating employment in cabin maintenance, guiding tours, and other roles, Sonido del Yaque directly improves the quality of life for local families, while fostering cultural pride by sharing Dominican traditions with guests.

Environmentally, Sonido del Yaque is committed to sustainable tourism and resource conservation. They produce their own cooking gas through a decomposition site, reducing waste and utilizing natural energy sources. The site is also powered by a self-sustaining electrical generator, minimizing reliance on external power and lowering their carbon footprint. Through eco-friendly practices, they protect the Yaque River ecosystem and surrounding forests. Additionally, the project promotes environmental education for visitors and community members, encouraging sustainable practices and highlighting the importance of preserving the natural beauty of the area.

Together, these initiatives make Sonido del Yaque a model of community-driven, sustainable tourism in the Dominican Republic, blending cultural appreciation, social empowerment, and environmental conservation.

DETAILS
To learn more, contact: sonidodelyaque@gmail.com

What are your minimum and maximum group sizes?
1-25

Do you require visitors to pre-book?
No

Do you have group rates?
Yes

Do you pay commissions to travel advisors?
Yes

What languages do you offer your services in?
Spanish

When are you open?
24/7

What accommodations do you make for people living with disabilities?
At Sonido del Yaque, we are committed to providing as much accommodation as possible for all guests, including accessible lodging options and support. However, due to the rustic, mountainous terrain and some eco-focused activities, certain experiences may not be fully accessible for guests with wheelchairs or mobility disabilities. We are continually exploring ways to improve accessibility, and we encourage anyone with specific needs to reach out to us beforehand so we can provide the best support possible and suggest activities suited to their abilities.